Labirinto, Romain Dumesnil

2019

33 cm x 24 cm

raw clay on canvas mounted on a frame

unique work.

The series "Labyrinth" explores the relationships between the mythological and physical figure of the labyrinth and the algorithmic data. Random compositions are created (from natural atmospheric interference) using an algorithm that hybridizes the computer and nature, which are then reproduced manually by the artist from raw clay, which dries and cracks freely, creating its own unpredictable lines. within the shapes constrained by the initial drawing.

“I imagine an ambitious quest that, far from being content with finding objects, would strive to bring together the most remarkable manifestations of the elemental, anonymous and irresponsible forces that, entangled, makeup nature. The artist and researcher Romain Dumesnil seems to have adopted this phrase from Roger Caillois (Roger Caillois, Pierres, 1966). Living and working between France and Brazil, where he founded the residence and exhibition space Atoms in 2015, he is inspired by both natural phenomena and scientific research, anthropological tools, and shamanic beliefs. to question our relationship with the world and the environment.

By bringing together in his most primary sculptures and installations elements (raw clay, minerals, pine sap, stones, braided straw, light) sometimes mixed with technological devices, the artist brings out the intrinsic plastic potential of the material. He lets the different elements act on their own, revealing this kind of "natural talent" as in his Labyrinth series (2016-2017) where he redraws with raw clay labyrinthine patterns generated by an algorithm. As it dries, the clay creates random strokes within the course constrained by the initial computer-generated drawing.